Woodland planting at Normanton Energy Reserve – Becca Leake

Tree planting strategy

A key part of our planting strategy for the Normanton Energy Reserve is the proposal for a new woodland which will extend along the whole of the eastern boundary. This is in addition to tree  planting along the other boundaries. This woodland will provide connectivity to the existing Normanton Millennium Wood which is managed by the Woodland Trust.

Woodland planting improves soil quality

Trees help to maintain a closed nutrient cycle and increase the organic matter content in soil. Nutrients such as nitrogen remain within the system, either stored within the tree or dropped onto the ground as leaf litter, which is then gradually broken down into the soil. Trees are instrumental in reducing the risk of soil erosion and drought as they create a more secure soil structure. Their roots can protect the ground from extreme rain too, and this reduces the nutrient loss by ensuring that the nutrients will not be carried away via dry soils, or within surface water run-off.

Woodland planting helps with flood alleviation

As well as woodland planting providing benefits to both the land and local wildlife, it also helps significantly with flood alleviation and surface water management. Trees can help mitigate against surface water flooding as they intercept rain before it hits the ground. By planting woodland and trees at Normanton Energy Reserve, any potential run-off will be slowed which will help to reduce potential flooding impacts off site in the event of prolonged periods of heavy rain. The presence of tree roots can also help surface water to infiltrate faster into the ground, which further prevents the impact of potential floods.

Woodland planting improves air quality and reduces climate change

Our renewable energy projects support both the environment and the rejuvenation of the land for neighbouring and wider communities. Through woodland planting, we are increasing the number of trees within the area to provide cleaner air for people. Through photosynthesis, trees remove and store CO2 from the atmosphere. This process not only supports the air quality in the local area, but it also contributes to reducing climate change as CO2 is one of the most abundant greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Additionally, trees can absorb other damaging pollutants too, such as those associated with cars. Normanton Energy Reserve is located near an extensive road network, principally the A47 to the west and the M69 to the south, so the location of the new woodland will help support a reduction in particulate matter , which is a known carcinogen.

This project will maximise opportunities for biodiversity enhancement, delivering a net gain of more than 28% for habitats and 24% for hedgerows. By implementing woodland planting we will provide even more opportunities for the land to prosper and become enriched , delivering long term benefits to the environment and to society.

Becca is a Project Planning Coordinator at Exagen, she oversees all planning aspects of projects working closely with sub consultants, communities and other key stakeholders whilst also managing environmental constraints in the design process.